Ant-Man, Colony CommanderAnt-Man, Colony Commander | Art by Nathaniel Himawan
Just like a supervillain, just when you think I'm done, I'm back for more. That's right...we've got a third part to the Marvel Super Heroes Over/Under!
In this series, I predict how popular new commanders will become exactly one year after their printing. It's based on a line of 1,200 decks, so each commander gets an "Over" or "Under" that line. I've also got a Can't-Miss Pick, which is my most confident (and sometimes foolhardy) selection of the set.
If you missed them, Part 1 and Part 2 went up earlier, covering the base set mono-color commanders and the commander product mono-color commanders, respectively. Today, we'll be looking at all of the multicolor legends.
A Note on the Commons and Uncommons
Like our last two installments, I'm not bothering with analysis for every single commander (trust me, I tried). With 362 legendary creatures, there are simply too many. I'll still give everyone an Over or Under — just look for them at the bottom. Onward!
Black Bolt, Inhuman KingBlack Bolt, Inhuman King
Some have said I have a lethal voice at karaoke. And trust me — it doesn't make you popular.
My prediction: Under
Captain America, Living LegendCaptain America, Living Legend
I know I just said I'm not writing about uncommons, but I'll make an exception for Cap. The pseudo-vigilance is nice, but add in turbo charging your spacecrafts, crewing multiple vehicles, and turning your Palladium MyrPalladium Myr into more mana than Thran DynamoThran Dynamo? Now that's how you become a living legend.
My prediction: Over
Dragon Man, Reformed RobotDragon Man, Reformed Robot
A lot of text that essentially boils down to giant vanilla flyer.
My prediction: Under
King T'ChallaKing T'Challa
I'd play the front side on its own. I'd play the back side on its own. Glue them together and you've got one kingly king.
My prediction: Over
Shang-Chi and the Ten RingsShang-Chi and the Ten Rings
Although 10 counters is flavorful, it takes a long time to get there—especially on a commander with no self-protection.
My prediction: Under
Namor, Atlantean KingNamor, Atlantean King
Namor the Sub-MarinerNamor the Sub-Mariner seems way better to me. And, speaking as someone who hasn't followed the comics, that flavor text is baffling.
My prediction: Under
The Mighty Thor, Jane FosterThe Mighty Thor, Jane Foster
It's rare that we see equipment-matters in white-blue, so I think that novelty alone will draw deckbuilders. And it doesn't hurt that she's just flat out good.
My prediction: Over
Willie Lumpkin, PostmanWillie Lumpkin, Postman
I've got a message for you...
My message: Under
Kang PrimeKang Prime
I do love me some suspend, but I haven't seen much love for this commander online.
My prediction: Under
Scientist Supreme of A.I.M.Scientist Supreme of A.I.M.
This card is almost always a last pick in Marvel Super Heroes Draft. Seems like a bad sign.
My prediction: Under
Taskmaster, Mercenary MimicTaskmaster, Mercenary Mimic
We pretty much just got this card in Superior Spider-ManSuperior Spider-Man, and since that hasn't gone Over yet, I doubt this will, either.
My prediction: Under
Ultron, UnlimitedUltron, Unlimited
Connive isn't my favorite mechanic, but for a one-mana 2/2 every time, I might change my mind.
My prediction: Over
Ares, God of WarAres, God of War
Do you like attacking? Do you hate when your attackers die? Ares has you covered either way.
My prediction: Over
The Ruinous Wrecking CrewThe Ruinous Wrecking Crew
A lot of options, but none are all that appealing, even if you get all four at once.
My prediction: Under
Typhoid Mary, FracturedTyphoid Mary, Fractured
Mary doesn't need commander decks — she needs a doctor. Perhaps multiple doctors.
My prediction: Under
Absorbing Man and TitaniaAbsorbing Man and Titania
If this was printed as in in-universe pair (Kogla and Bruse Tarl, for instance), I think it would be a hit. But even among comic book fans, these two feel a little obscure.
My prediction: Under
Wolverine, Fierce FighterWolverine, Fierce Fighter
A flavor win, but not nearly as cool as Wolverine, Best There IsWolverine, Best There Is. And when can we expect Hugh Jackman to attend a MagicCon?
My prediction: Under
Bast, Panther GoddessBast, Panther Goddess
I really want to build a Cat Typal deck with this at the helm, because if I was a Simpsons character, I'd be the Crazy Cat Lady. But I speak for the people, and although the people like cats, I don't think they like them that much.
My prediction: Under
Jennifer WaltersJennifer Walters
I'm telling you, She-Hulk was a better show than people give it credit for. But this isn't a review of Marvel Television — it's a review of commanders. And what a commander this is!
She-Hulk is the fight spell queen. The main drawback of spells like BushwhackBushwhack is that opponents can save their fighter by removing yours. Not when She-Hulk's around. Nobody can object while you have the floor, and furthermore, she'll essentially double up on that fight damage. Judge Judy would approve.
My prediction: Over
Okoye, Mighty and AdoredOkoye, Mighty and Adored
Excellent flavor, but I doubt Okoye will unseat Jared Carthalion, True HeirJared Carthalion, True Heir from this general theme.
My prediction: Under
Shuri, the Black PantherShuri, the Black Panther
A fine commander, but most players will likely opt for her brother (a.k.a. the face commander for this precon).
My prediction: Under
Storm, Queen of WakandaStorm, Queen of Wakanda
There's a better version of Storm coming soon.
My prediction: Under
Storm, WindriderStorm, Windrider
Told you she'd be here soon.
I got absolutely housed by this card at my prerelease, so maybe it's my stinging wounds talking. But Storm locks down many of the premier threats in the format, including Kaalia of the VastKaalia of the Vast, Korvold, Fae-Cursed KingKorvold, Fae-Cursed King, and Ureni of the UnwrittenUreni of the Unwritten.
My prediction: Over
T'Chaka, Venerable KingT'Chaka, Venerable King
Great king, middling Magic card.
My prediction: Under
T'Challa, the Black PantherT'Challa, the Black Panther
He's a face commander of what promise to be some of the most popular retail precons around, not to mention the star of a massive movie. And hey, it doesn't hurt that he introduces a new archetype to these colors, either.
My prediction: Under
Cloak and Dagger, EntwinedCloak and Dagger, Entwined
I like Banisher Priest — but not enough to place it in the command zone.
My prediction: Under
The Kingpin of CrimeThe Kingpin of Crime
Extort is popular, and toughness-matters is even more so. On Kingpin, they go together better than a white suit and a bald head.
My prediction: Over
Winter Soldier, Icy AssassinWinter Soldier, Icy Assassin
Orzhov equipment is promising, but less so than on, say The Mighty Thor, Jane FosterThe Mighty Thor, Jane Foster, since Winter Soldier offers no inherent card advantage.
My prediction: Under
Ant-Man, Elusive AvengerAnt-Man, Elusive Avenger
Attack, no blockers, pump, make Treasures. Seems simple enough — until your opponents two-for-one you with instant-speed removal. I'd rather not get squashed.
My prediction: Under
Astonishing Spider-ManAstonishing Spider-Man
This is like when customer service offers a voucher for a restaurant to apologize for the food poisoning. Spider-Man already made everyone sick the first time. Nobody wants more.
My prediction: Under
Hawkeye, Avenging ArcherHawkeye, Avenging Archer
This plus Basilisk CollarBasilisk Collar and Thornbite StaffThornbite Staff is kinda sick, but no opponents in their right minds will ever allow such a thing.
My prediction: Under
Quicksilver, SpeedsterQuicksilver, Speedster
Why yes, I would enjoy a Vedalken OrreryVedalken Orrery in the command zone. Thank you for asking, Quicksilver!
My prediction: Over
Red Ghost, Intangible GeniusRed Ghost, Intangible Genius
The draw-two thing is hit-and-miss. In this case, I think it's more miss than hit. Look for this dude on the next season of Chimp Crazy.
My prediction: Under
Scarlet Witch, Chaotic AvengerScarlet Witch, Chaotic Avenger
Not the easiest train to get rolling, but once you do, not even reality itself can slow you down.
My prediction: Over
The Squadron SinisterThe Squadron Sinister
Spoiler: The villains always lose.
My prediction: Under
Tony StarkTony Stark
I opened Mr. Stark here at the prerelease, and playing him confirmed my suspicions: This card is sweet. Play him early to draw cards, flip him late to beat down. I dropped a free Kree SentinelKree Sentinel at my event, but I'm sure you can do better. Blightsteel ColossusBlightsteel Colossus, anyone?
My prediction: Over
The Serpent SocietyThe Serpent Society
People were way more into Fynn, the FangbearerFynn, the Fangbearer than I anticipated. In fact, it's mono-green's most popular commander. So maybe deathtouch is the new flying?
My prediction: Over
Black Widow, Agile AvengerBlack Widow, Agile Avenger
A unique effect in white-red, but more supportive than flashy.
My prediction: Under
Captain Marvel, Apex AvengerCaptain Marvel, Apex Avenger
I know seven mana in Boros is a tall order, but man, does Captain Marvel pay you back. This with Crystalline GiantCrystalline Giant, The OzolithThe Ozolith, or any kind of proliferation is just plain nasty.
My prediction: Over
Daredevil, Man Without FearDaredevil, Man Without Fear
The wording is a little confusing here, but basically, you draw a free card whenever you attack, plus get a bonus if it happens to be a Hero. No wonder he's fearless.
My prediction: Over
Monica RambeauMonica Rambeau
No enters-the-battlefield effect, but the hexproof on Photon makes up for that. And once you untap, you can absolutely obliterate your opponents, especially with zero-cost spells like Urza's BaubleUrza's Bauble and efficient token makers like Kuldotha RebirthKuldotha Rebirth.
My prediction: Over
Absorbing ManAbsorbing Man
This weirdo copies lands, so you could run Tanglepool BridgeTanglepool Bridge just to make him indestructible. Seems cute, but less absorbing than, say, a really good beach read.
My prediction: Under
Moon Girl and Devil DinosaurMoon Girl and Devil Dinosaur
Everything about this card is confusing, from the text to the flavor to the rollerblading child teaming up with a literal tyrannosaurus. And couldn't we at least get a 7/7 to meet the commander damage magic number?
My prediction: Under
The Astonishing Ant-ManThe Astonishing Ant-Man
This dude does an astonishingly bad impression of Ghave, Guru of SporesGhave, Guru of Spores.
My prediction: Under
Doctor Doom, King of LatveriaDoctor Doom, King of Latveria
If this was Comic-Con, Doom would rip off his mask to reveal Robert Downey, Jr. Alas, this is just a Magic card — but what a Magic card it is. That first line of text is powerful enough without anything else. I’ve been trying to make Tectonic ReformationTectonic Reformation work for years, and I think this commander unlocks it. The rest is just gravy — or Downey, as it were.
My prediction: Over (Can't-Miss Pick)
Loki, the DeceiverLoki, the Deceiver
I'm wary of building around villains, but everybody likes drawing cards, and doubling effects tend to be popular. So...I guess I'm in?
My prediction: A Hesitant Over
Captain America, Team LeaderCaptain America, Team Leader
This is like the 10th Cap card in the set, and it's somehow more bland than Captain America, Steve RogersCaptain America, Steve Rogers.
Alright, that's probably a little strong. A counter and a couple keywords are good. I shouldn't complain. Plus, this is the face commander of the Avengers Assemble deck, not to mention one of Marvel’s most beloved characters. Plus, we just celebrated the Fourth of July here in the States, so the residual patriotism can't hurt.
My prediction: Over
Director Nick FuryDirector Nick Fury
Again, I'm concerned about this Hero/Villain thing. Those types are almost exclusive to the Marvel Universes Beyond properties, so if you're sick of Marvel, you're probably not playing a whole deck devoted to it.
My prediction: Under
Bruce BannerBruce Banner
Any card that quadruples the value of garbo like CaltropsCaltrops overnight must be destined for popularity, and that's certainly the case for the Hulk. Banner, not so much — but Hulk, totally. Note that there's no limit on those additional combat steps, which makes Hulk a lot like Anzrag, the Quake-MoleAnzrag, the Quake-Mole, which is elite company. Trust me, I know from experience; my good pal Jeremy runs the Mole, and it's traumatizing.
My prediction: Over
Crystal, Inhuman PrincessCrystal, Inhuman Princess
This feels like a spiritual successor to Aragorn, the UniterAragorn, the Uniter, which is funny, because Marvel could not be further from Middle-earth. Aragorn leads five figures of decks, so I like Crystal's chances at crystallizing her place in our format.
My prediction: Over
Invisible WomanInvisible Woman
A 0/3 Wall token is like a bumper sticker: I'm not paying for it, but I'll use it if it's free. And that’s not even counting the attack trigger, which can threaten lethal commander damage, given the proper circumstances.
My prediction: Over
Mister FantasticMister Fantastic
There's no keyword for freaky inhuman bodily stretching, so reach will do. And that's the least of what Mr. Fantastic offers: He plays offense and defense, draws cards, and turns one annoying Rhystic StudyRhystic Study trigger into three times the annoyance.
My prediction: Over
Human TorchHuman Torch
One can imagine some nasty starts with Johnny Storm here. How about Sol RingSol Ring into Human TorchHuman Torch, then attack for a hasty six points of commander damage? He only hits harder with counters, equipment, and other modifications, and he can even spread the love with that triggered ability. They forgot to cram his catchphrase in there, but I suppose we can’t have it all.
My prediction: Over
Power PackPower Pack
Godspeed to whoever runs this daycare. At least they're probably well-paid, because this commander's going to make bank. Four relevant keywords and a free spell every turn? Now that's a pack of power.
My prediction: Over
The Fantastic FourThe Fantastic Four
When you design a card that represents four colors of mana, it's actually hard not to make it impactful. Case in point: This card.
My prediction: Over
The ThingThe Thing
Rounding out the individual treatments of the Fantastic Four, we've got the group's ugliest member — and things will get even uglier for your opponents. Once you start stacking and doubling those +1/+1 counters — not to mention loyalty counters on your planeswalkers, or ascendancy counters on your Simic AscendancySimic Ascendancy — the Thing will take things out of hand. Quickly.
My prediction: Over
Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
You get what you pay for, so when you're paying WUBRG, you should expect to get a lot. I'm especially intrigued by threatening double-faced cards that are otherwise difficult to flip, like Elbrus, the Binding BladeElbrus, the Binding Blade.
My prediction: Over
Super-SkrullSuper-Skrull
I see. So Kenrith, the Returned KingKenrith, the Returned King was a Skrull sleeper agent all along.
My prediction: Over
Thanos, the Mad TitanThanos, the Mad Titan
I'm working on a deck tech for this purple people eater, and let me tell you, he's intriguing. My mind went immediately to companionship with Obosh, the PreypiercerObosh, the Preypiercer, although you could probably run him straight-up as a pseudo-six-color commander, too. He might look like Grimace, but he's a lot meaner.
My prediction: Over
Recap
Over (30)
- Captain America, Living LegendCaptain America, Living Legend
- King T'ChallaKing T'Challa
- The Mighty Thor, Jane FosterThe Mighty Thor, Jane Foster
- Ultron, UnlimitedUltron, Unlimited
- Ares, God of WarAres, God of War
- Jennifer WaltersJennifer Walters
- Storm, WindriderStorm, Windrider
- T'Challa, the Black PantherT'Challa, the Black Panther
- The Kingpin of CrimeThe Kingpin of Crime
- Quicksilver, SpeedsterQuicksilver, Speedster
- Scarlet Witch, Chaotic AvengerScarlet Witch, Chaotic Avenger
- Tony StarkTony Stark
- The Serpent SocietyThe Serpent Society
- Captain Marvel, Apex AvengerCaptain Marvel, Apex Avenger
- Daredevil, Man Without FearDaredevil, Man Without Fear
- Monica RambeauMonica Rambeau
- Doctor Doom, King of LatveriaDoctor Doom, King of Latveria (Can't-Miss Pick)
- Loki, the DeceiverLoki, the Deceiver
- Captain America, Team LeaderCaptain America, Team Leader
- Bruce BannerBruce Banner
- Crystal, Inhuman PrincessCrystal, Inhuman Princess
- Invisible WomanInvisible Woman
- Mister FantasticMister Fantastic
- Human TorchHuman Torch
- Power PackPower Pack
- The Fantastic FourThe Fantastic Four
- The ThingThe Thing
- Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
- Super-SkrullSuper-Skrull
- Thanos, the Mad TitanThanos, the Mad Titan
Under (63)
- Black Bolt, Inhuman KingBlack Bolt, Inhuman King
- Dragon Man, Reformed RobotDragon Man, Reformed Robot
- Namor, Atlantean KingNamor, Atlantean King
- Shang-Chi and the Ten RingsShang-Chi and the Ten Rings
- Shuri, Vibranium TechnologistShuri, Vibranium Technologist
- Spider-Woman, Secret AgentSpider-Woman, Secret Agent
- War Machine, James RhodesWar Machine, James Rhodes
- Willie Lumpkin, PostmanWillie Lumpkin, Postman
- Ghost, Spectral SaboteurGhost, Spectral Saboteur
- Kang PrimeKang Prime
- Kang, Temporal TyrantKang, Temporal Tyrant
- Scientist Supreme of A.I.M.Scientist Supreme of A.I.M.
- Taskmaster, Mercenary MimicTaskmaster, Mercenary Mimic
- Tiger Shark, Abyssal HunterTiger Shark, Abyssal Hunter
- Bullseye, Death DealerBullseye, Death Dealer
- Madame HydraMadame Hydra
- The Ruinous Wrecking CrewThe Ruinous Wrecking Crew
- Typhoid Mary, FracturedTyphoid Mary, Fractured
- Abomination, Terrifying TitanAbomination, Terrifying Titan
- Absorbing Man and TitaniaAbsorbing Man and Titania
- Gert and Old Lace, RunawaysGert and Old Lace, Runaways
- Hulk, Gamma GoliathHulk, Gamma Goliath
- Stature, Young AvengerStature, Young Avenger
- Wolverine, Fierce FighterWolverine, Fierce Fighter
- Bast, Panther GoddessBast, Panther Goddess
- Black Panther, VanguardBlack Panther, Vanguard
- Ms. Marvel, Elastic AllyMs. Marvel, Elastic Ally
- Okoye, Mighty and AdoredOkoye, Mighty and Adored
- She-Hulk, Attorney-at-LawShe-Hulk, Attorney-at-Law
- Shuri, the Black PantherShuri, the Black Panther
- Spider-Man, To the RescueSpider-Man, To the Rescue
- Storm, Queen of WakandaStorm, Queen of Wakanda
- T'Chaka, Venerable KingT'Chaka, Venerable King
- Black Widow, Double AgentBlack Widow, Double Agent
- Cloak and Dagger, EntwinedCloak and Dagger, Entwined
- U.S.Agent, John WalkerU.S.Agent, John Walker
- Winter Soldier, Icy AssassinWinter Soldier, Icy Assassin
- Ant-Man, Elusive AvengerAnt-Man, Elusive Avenger
- Astonishing Spider-ManAstonishing Spider-Man
- Hawkeye, Avenging ArcherHawkeye, Avenging Archer
- Iceman and FirestarIceman and Firestar
- Iron Lad, Young AvengerIron Lad, Young Avenger
- Iron Man, Master of MachinesIron Man, Master of Machines
- Red Ghost, Intangible GeniusRed Ghost, Intangible Genius
- Speedball, New WarriorSpeedball, New Warrior
- The Squadron SinisterThe Squadron Sinister
- Atlas, Sizable StoogeAtlas, Sizable Stooge
- Killmonger, Scourge of WakandaKillmonger, Scourge of Wakanda
- Titania, Rugged RumblerTitania, Rugged Rumbler
- Black Widow, Agile AvengerBlack Widow, Agile Avenger
- Marvel Boy, Noh-VarrMarvel Boy, Noh-Varr
- Patriot, Young AvengerPatriot, Young Avenger
- Thor OdinsonThor Odinson
- War Machine, Legacy of IronWar Machine, Legacy of Iron
- Absorbing ManAbsorbing Man
- Ant-Man, Colony CommanderAnt-Man, Colony Commander
- Ant-Man, Reformed RogueAnt-Man, Reformed Rogue
- Beast, Erudite AerialistBeast, Erudite Aerialist
- Brawn, Amadeus ChoBrawn, Amadeus Cho
- Moon Girl and Devil DinosaurMoon Girl and Devil Dinosaur
- The Astonishing Ant-ManThe Astonishing Ant-Man
- Director Nick FuryDirector Nick Fury
- Karolina Dean, RunawayKarolina Dean, Runaway
I like new commanders, but I also like ice cream — and if I'd overloaded on ice cream like this set overloaded on commanders, I'd be in the hospital. Still, for those who stuck around, I hope you enjoyed the biggest Over/Under in the history of Over/Unders. I appreciate your readership!
That said, if The Hobbit has 300 more commanders, I might be retiring.
Kyle Massa
Kyle A. Massa is a writer and avid Magic player living somewhere in upstate New York with his wife, their daughter, and three wild animals. His current favorite card is Loki, God of Mischief. You can find him on Substack at www.substack.com/@wildcardmtg or on YouTube at @WildcardMTG.
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